The essence of Summer

For Independence Day this year, B and I took the Q train straight to
Brighton Beach and enjoyed a day on the beach.
As you can see, it was completely PACKED being that it was the 4th of
July and one of the hottest days of the year.
It got up to 100 degrees! The sand was baking hot but the ocean
water was frigid. I think this was the first time I actually
swam in the water because it was the only way to escape the heat.
The crowds didn't help either, but it did allow for some
amazing people watching. And you didn't have to go far to get a
snack or a drink since the hawkers were right there in the sand
with you yelling "Coronas... Coronas... Getcha Ice Cold Coronas."
There was also a man going around selling cotton candy which
was kind of neat. Who eats cotton candy at the beach? I guess you
can get anything here.

Anyways, here is probably one of the best photos that I took that
captured the essence of Summer on Brighton Beach that day.
I submitted it to the Gothamist and to my surprise, they published
the photo!

You can view it here along with the article:

THE GOTHAMIST
http://gothamist.com/2010/07/06/todays_heat_breaks_2001_record.php

More photos to come... enjoy!